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Robert Chapman

Robert Chapman, a leading "Brethren" was often referred to as the "Apostle of Love." He was once asked to go to Barnstaple to pastor a Particular Baptist church, with the open understanding that if he came, Chapman would only teach what was plainly in the Word. Furthermore, Chapman believed neither in denominational distinctions nor in their teaching regarding baptism. Over the course of time, under Chapman's teaching and leadership, the majority began to agree with his views and Ebenezer Chapel changed their fundamental beliefs. However, a minority were not happy with the changes and decided to leave and rent a church property from another group, who's work had collapsed. After a year, the group who formerly used the property regrouped and needed the property back from the seceding group, which in turn prompted them to ask for Ebenezer Chapel back from Chapman and the church meeting there. Although not legally required to give up the property, Robert Chapman, as well as the church he pastored decided that the best course of action was not to fight for it, but to practice Christ's love by giving up their claims to this group. Shortly thereafter, Chapman and his group were able to find a property where they could meet, and Chapman's loving attitude led even the Barnstaple Baptists a generation later to grow into a strong evangelistic group that greatly admired and respected Robert Chapman.
Robert L. Peterson, Robert Chapman, A Biography